Qatar press conference schedule promises fireworks

There is no need to wait for fireworks in Qatar until qualifying or the race. The first fireworks can be expected during the press conferences. The team bosses of Mercedes and Red Bull Racing, Tot Wolff and Christian Horner, have been put next to each other.

Rising tension between Mercedes and Red Bull

With the denouement of the world championship approaching, the tensions between title rivals Mercedes and Red Bull Racing are mounting. In the battle for the drivers' title Red Bull and Max Verstappen still have a 14 point lead. Mercedes has an eleven point lead in the constructors' title.

A new chapter in the title battle is the protest that Mercedes lodged with the FIA following Verstappen's defensive actions during the Brazilian Grand Prix. The German team wants new camera images to determine whether Verstappen will receive a penalty. With the two team bosses next to each other at the press conference, emotions may run high. The press conference for the team bosses starts at 13:00hrs and will be attended by Frederic Vasseur (Alfa Romeo) and Franz Tost (AlphaTauri).

Hamilton next to his new teammate

The drivers' line-up is also known. These press conferences will take place on Thursday afternoon from 12:30hrs. Hamilton will close the press conference together with his future teammate George Russell. Max Verstappen is assigned to Antonio Giovinazzi. The Italian driver was announced this week that he will switch from Formula 1 to Formula E next season after his contract with Alfa Romeo was not renewed.